An elbow contusion or bruising of the elbow is a minor injury due to a fall on the elbow. While an elbow contusion may lead to temporary pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your arm, it is usually an injury that resolves quickly.
Elbow Contusion Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
An elbow contusion or bruising of the elbow is a minor injury due to a fall on the elbow or direct elbow impact. While a bruised elbow may lead to temporary pain, elbow swelling, and difficulty moving the arm, it is usually an injury that resolves quickly.
Overview
Overview
What causes Elbow Contusion?
An elbow contusion usually results from a fall or direct elbow impact. This type of injury can cause soft tissue trauma beneath the skin. Elbow contusions are common in these sports:
- Rugby
- Football
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
Symptoms
If you have an elbow contusion you may have these symptoms:
- Pain around the elbow
- Bruising around the elbow
- Elbow swelling
When to see a doctor
Although an elbow contusion does not require medical treatment, you may want to see a physician to ensure you do not have a more serious injury. Your doctor will ask you about your injury, examine your elbow, and he/she may take X-rays or an MRI to rule out fractures or deeper soft tissue trauma.
Non-operative treatment
Elbow contusions are always treated non-operatively. Conservative treatments include:
- Rest, including taking a break from play and avoiding heavy lifting
- Icing your shoulder (every one to two hours for 20 minutes)
- Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed
Try these exercises to help address your condition:
Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program
Recovery
After a bruised elbow, you may be able to restart normal activities after just a few days, though more severe contusions may require several weeks of resting your elbow. You should start stretching exercises within a few days of your injury to avoid developing stiffness in your elbow. You can return to play once you’ve regained your full range of motion and strength in the elbow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a contusion on the elbow?
Elbow contusions commonly result from direct impact such as a fall on the elbow or being hit by a ball.
What nerve is involved in an elbow contusion?
The ulnar nerve is most often affected. A direct blow to the inside of the elbow can bruise this superficial nerve, causing numbness, tingling, or pain—commonly called hitting your "funny bone."
What are the signs that an elbow contusion might be more serious than a simple bruise?
If you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, numbness, tingling, or limited range of motion that doesn't improve within a few days, it could indicate a fracture, ligament damage, or nerve involvement, and medical evaluation is recommended
How is an elbow contusion treated at home?
Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medications can help, and gentle stretching after a few days helps maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.